Weekly Photo Challenge: Transition

This week’s DP photo challenge is Transition.

This footbridge in South Korea helped me Transitioning from an ordinary world to the wonderland of color foliage.

I started off this Blog in my retirement to write to myself; there was basically not many readers reading my writings on local happenings in English.

Realizing this, I transitioned this to be become a travel photo blog.

At the moment, I am wondering whether I should be selling my photos – for charity purpose only. All proceedings, if any, will be given for a good cause.

I am trying out on Fine Art America (FAA). You can find my 25 photos on

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/michael-lai.html

I am not totally happy with FAA as the proceeding from sale is only around 10-15% of what they charge buyers.

I understand that WordPress also has a facility for selling of photos; using their plugin Sell Media.

However, as an IT dummy, I don’t even understand what a plugin is.

 

 

 

Lake Wanaka, South Island

I would just do the same as the girl in the center of the photo . . .. . . . . . .  standing in awe as I look around the panoramic view of Lake Wanaka.

New Zealand is so photogenic.

It has got all the elements that I like . . . . . . stunning clouds, blue waters, a sense of space and varsity, lots of trees, flora and fauna, friendly people.

Milford Sound vs Three Gorges

Here are two photos which talk to each other.

The top one was taken at Milford Sound in New Zealand, while the second one was taken in Three Gorges.

Both were taken on a boat.

They are very similar in composition but they convey very different moods.

The sea at Milford Sound was a bit choppy and the scene a bit dark.

I rather like the Three Gorges one which depicts sunset and calm waters.

Milford Track (2)

Hiking the Milford Track is surely a challenge, but those who have done it are rewarded with what they see.

I don’t actually know what the picture is showing and will ask my wife when she is back from the hike.

It seems to show water spilling over a ridge.

My question is why the water mass seems to discontinue after it spills over the ridge; creating this spectacular sight!

Milford Track

Never seen such a waterfall!

Picture sent to me by my wife travelling in the South Island, New Zealand.

I would hate to go anywhere near this waterfall as it looks so intimidating.

Understand that hiking the Milford Track at this time of the year is also quite laborious.

My folks said that they feel cold and have never thought they have to wade through so much water.

Definitely a challenge!

 

Are We Born Photographers ( or is photography just easy) ??

When I was a kid, I have a lot of admiration for people taking great photos.

How can such good photos can be captured using a simple and manual camera?

Now with cameras becoming so common and smart phones so handy, many people seem to be able to show off their talents in photography.

Here are two photos taken by my wife today in Glenorchy, near Queensland, South Island of New Zealand.

Both photos were taken with a smartphone.

She is again on a one month tour in the land of Kiwis, while I am holding the fort at home.

One just wonders where did she acquire her skills.

Similarly, my brother who has been residing 40 years abroad, also seems to have acquired excellent techniques. His photos are now featured in Fine Art America:

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/felix-lai.html?page=1

 

I would say his photos are a lot better than mine. Again, are we born photographers or everybody has this inner skills which only come to the fore when you have ready access to cameras.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Trio (Palm)

This week’s photo challenge is Trio.

Not a cloud was in sight.

No one really wanted to be under the sun; it was like 40 degrees Celsius, even this beach at Langkawi was deserted.

I was hesitating whether I should walk all the way  to the beach and take this photo.

However, the sky, the water and the palm trees were so captivating.

The palms, especially, were like three ladies dancing on the beach, swaying in the wind.

This picture was therefore taken with a lot of sweat ( luckily no tears!)

 

 

Weekly Photo Challenge: Trio ( Felucca)

This week’s photo challenge is Trio.

To drift down the Nile at Luxor was one of my biggest life dreams.

This photo was taken while drifting down the Nile on a feluuca.

There were three feluccas behind us when I turned my back around and took this photo.

What an amazing view!

Here is a description of Felucca from Wikipedia:

A felucca  is a traditional wooden sailing boat used in protected waters of the Red Sea and eastern Mediterranean including Malta, and particularly along the Nile in Egypt, Sudan, and also in Iraq. Its rig consists of one or two lateen sails.

They are usually able to board ten passengers and the crew consists of two or three people. Despite being made obsolete by motorboats and ferries, feluccas are still in active use as a means of transport in Nile-adjacent cities like Aswan or Luxor. They are especially popular among tourists who can enjoy a quieter and calmer mood than motorboats have to offer.

Autumn in Hokkaido

I dearly miss Autumn in Hokkaido, Japan.

This is a casual shot taken on our trip some years back.

As always, we regret that we didn’t stay a bit longer, taken in more of the views.

The Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong

The Avenue of Stars ( 星光大道), modelled on the Hollwood Walk of Fame, is located along the  Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. It honours celebrities of the Hong Kong Film industry.

It is one of the most visited spot by tourists in Hong Kong.

It is situated on a seaside promenade with one side facing the Victoria Harbour and the beautiful views of Hong Kong island as backdrop.

During night time, the place is still full of tourists.

This is a view taken of one of the statutes there with the laser show ( Symphony of Lights ) behind it.

This looks almost surreal!